Nihon kendo kata consists of predefined sets of attacking and defending movements, performed with metal or wooden swords (katana or bokken, respectively). In practicing kendo kata, one gains a better appreciation of handling and reacting to "real" swords, as opposed to shinai kendo.

There are 7 long sword (tachi, or daito) forms, and 3 short sword (kodachi, or shoto) forms.

The following must be performed for shinsa (promotional examination) according to International Kendo Federation (FIK) regulations:

• 1 kyu: tachi forms 1 - 3
• 1 dan: tachi forms 1 - 5
• 2 dan: all tachi forms (1 - 7)
• 3 dan and above: all tachi forms (1 - 7) and all kodachi forms (8 - 10)

At Norwalk Dojo, kenshi must learn kata at least one level above the FIK regulations.

There are 5 basic kamae used in kendo kata, 6 if you count both jodan forms separately. Unless otherwise specified, step forward to assume the kamae, the hands and tip of the sword are aligned with the centerline of the body, and the body faces straight forward. The back heel is always slightly raised.

• chudan no kamae. Middle kamae, basic kamae with the tip pointing to the opponent's throat.
• migi-jodan no kamae. Overhead kamae, right foot forward, sword at 45 degree angle, left hand one fist from the forehead.
• hidari-jodan no kamae. Overhead kamae, left foot forward, sword at 45 degree angle, left hand one fist from the forehead. The left hand is positioned above the left eye, so the tip is slightly to the right, behind the head.
• gedan no kamae. Lowered kamae, tip slightly lower than the opponent's knee.
• hasso no kamae. Similar in form to hidari-jodan, but the kamae is slightly above the right shoulder instead of overhead. The right hand is even with and about one fist away from the mouth, the left hand is aligned with the centerline of the body, sword at 45 degree angle.
• waki gamae. Behind the body kamae. Step back with the right foot, and position the sword so that it angles down with the tip hidden from the opponent, with the left hand near the right hip.

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The following list briefly summarizes the starting kamae and primary ("ya" / "to") cuts for the uchidachi / shidachi roles. Click on the numbered link for a video clip of the kata.

• 1 hidari-jodan / migi-jodan; men (through torso) / nuki-men
• 2 chudan / chudan; kote / nuki-kote
• 3 gedan / gedan; tsuki / tsuki
• 4 hasso / waki; tsuki / men
• 5 hidari-jodan / chudan; men / suriage-men
• 6 chudan / gedan; kote / suriage-kote
• 7 chudan / chudan; men (through torso) / do

• 8 hidari-jodan / chudan; men / men
• 9 gedan / chudan; men / men
• 10 chudan / gedan; men-do / tsuba